ichthyology Exam 2 Material

A comprehensive set of 60 vocabulary flashcards covering the sensory systems in fish, including chemoreception, olfaction, gustation, and adaptations for hearing and vision.

Chemoreception

The process by which fish detect external and internal chemical information for survival.

Olfaction

The sense of smell in fish, primarily detecting distant water-soluble chemical cues.

Gustation

The sense of taste in fish, primarily detecting close-range water-soluble chemical cues.

Olfactory pits

Structures in fish used for the sense of smell, having no connection to the respiratory system.

Nasal rosette

The structure in the fish olfactory system lined with folded lamellae, increasing surface area for chemical detection.

Barbals

Slender, whisker-like sensory organs near the mouth of some fish, housing taste buds and olfactory sensors.

Schreckstoff

An alarm substance produced by fish to warn others of danger when a predator attacks.

Phototropism

The growth of fish eyes towards light; influenced by the presence of water and light levels.

Tapetum lucidum

A reflecting layer behind the retina in some fish, aiding in low-light vision.

Accommodation

The adjustment of the lens position in fish for focusing on objects at various distances.

Mechanoreception

The ability of fish to detect water movement, vibrations, or pressure changes in their environment.

Otoliths

Calcium carbonate structures in the inner ear of fish that help in balance and hearing.

Weberian ossicles

Bones connecting the gas bladder to the inner ear, enhancing sound detection in some fish.

Outer layer of the fish eye

The fibrous tunic and sclera that provide structure and protection.

Rods and cones

Photoreceptor cells in the retina of fish, involved in low-light and color vision.

Retinomotor movement

Daily changes in photoreceptor positions that adapt the fish's vision to light conditions.

Taste buds

Sensory organs containing receptor cells for the detection of taste in fish.

Ciliated receptors

Type of olfactory receptor in fish, characterized by bipolar neurons with cilia.

Microvillar receptors

Type of olfactory receptor in fish that detects various chemical cues.

Crypt receptors

Recently described olfactory receptors found in fish, involved in chemosensory detection.

Gustatory receptors

Receptors found throughout the fish's mouth, gill arches, and skin that detect taste.

Aquatic environment

Habitat of fish, where they rely on various sensory systems for survival.

Vibrational detection

Ability of fish to sense vibrations in the water, aiding in communication and predator avoidance.

Visual adaptations

Changes in fish anatomy that improve their ability to see in aquatic environments.

Ambient light

The natural light available in the fish's environment, affecting visibility and behavior.

Hydrodynamics

The study of fluids in motion, important for understanding fish movement and behavior.

Chemical alarm cues

Substances released by fish in response to threats, detected by other fish via olfaction.

Kin recognition

Fish ability to identify siblings and non-siblings, important for social structure.

Predator recognition

The ability of fish to distinguish between dangerous and harmless species.

Olfactory bulb

Brain structure where olfactory information is processed in fish.

Nerve fibers

Structures that transmit sensory information from the olfactory system to the brain.

Specialized adaptations

Unique features of fish that enhance their sensory capabilities for survival.

Cerebellum

Region of the brain involved in processing sensory information from the olfactory system.

Swimming bladder

Gas-filled organ that helps fish control buoyancy and also plays a role in hearing.

Anterior inlet

Opening of the paired olfactory pits in elasmobranchs and teleosts.

Pelvic fins

Appendages that aid in balance and movement, contributing to sensory function.

Spinal nerves

Nerves that transmit signals from the sensory organs to the central nervous system.

Scotopic vision

Vision in low light conditions, primarily mediated by rod cells in the retina.

Photopic vision

Vision in well-lit conditions, primarily mediated by cone cells in the retina.

Color vision

The ability of fish to perceive different colors, crucial for communication and feeding.

Light absorption

Process by which fish pigments absorb light, facilitating vision.

Retinal sensitivity

The ability of the retina to detect light; varies between light-adapted and dark-adapted states.

Sound propagation

The transmission of sound waves through water, enabling fishes to hear effectively.

Near-field sound detection

Sensing sound vibrations close to the source.

Far-field sound detection

Sensing sound pressure waves that travel longer distances in water.

Acoustic wave

A sound wave that travels through water, affecting fish communication.

Peripheral vision

The ability to see objects outside of the direct line of sight, important for predator avoidance.

Auditory retina

Fish ear functioning to convert acoustic signals into spatial patterns.

Hearing specialists

Fish with specialized adaptations for enhanced hearing capabilities.

Communication sounds

Vocalizations or sounds made by fish for social interactions.

Frequency response

The sensitivity of fish hearing across different sound frequencies.

Environmental adaptation

The changes in fish physiology to thrive in specific aquatic habitats.

Sensory integration

The combination of different sensory inputs to form a comprehensive perception of the environment.

Magnification in vision

Enhancing the detail and clarity of images in the fish's visual system.

Vision in murky water

The adaptation of fish to see in environments with reduced visibility.

Hydrodynamic sensing

Sensing water movement to navigate and respond to environmental cues.

Sound detection pathways

The routes through which fish process and interpret sound information.

Echolocation

The ability to determine the position of objects through sound reflection.